What happens when a hairdresser learns to see the whole image?

Louis Driver and Jacqui McIntosh are joined by award-winning hairstylist and photographer Desmond Murray for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, career-building, competition work, hair photography and the value of mentorship. Desmond reflects on his route into hairdressing, the people who shaped him and how learning photography changed the way he creates and sees hair.

He explains why a successful image is about far more than the hair alone: it is the model, styling, make-up, clothes, lighting, concept and shared direction behind the lens. From mood boards and creative risk to the role of AI and the importance of choosing good role models, this episode is a generous look at the work behind an enduring creative career.

Key Topics Covered

• Desmond Murray’s journey into hairdressing and photography
• Early mentors, discipline and learning through observation
• Competition work, resilience and stepping outside your comfort zone
• How photography changed his approach to hair imagery
• Why hair is one part of a bigger visual story
• Choosing models, creating a concept and using mood boards
• Hair collections, awards and the value of continual growth
• AI, photography and keeping human creativity at the centre
• Finding passion, choosing role models and being willing to graft

Stay Connected

Follow the hosts:
Louis Driver: @louisdoeshair
Jacqui McIntosh: @jacqui.mcintosh

Follow Desmond Murray:
@desmondmurray

Follow Avlon:
Avlon: @avlon
Avlon UK: @avlonuk

Production Credits

Producers: Louis Driver & Jacqui McIntosh
Recorded at: Storyhouse Studios — @storyhouse_studios

The Detangled Podcast is part of Avlon Europe. Discover more at:
https://avloneurope.co.uk/

In this episode of The Detangled Podcast by Avlon, Louis Driver and Jacqui McIntosh are joined by Lorraine Dublin — celebrity stylist, educator and salon co-owner with 27 years of experience across salon, screen and session work.

Lorraine shares the real foundations of a career that has taken her from the salon chair to red carpets, television and major film productions. She discusses the technical range, professionalism and adaptability needed to work across different settings — and why the skills built behind the chair are what make every other opportunity possible.

This is a conversation about trusting your craft, staying open to opportunities and continuing to learn. From working under pressure and making styles last, to meaningful consultations, education for curls and coils, and building a salon space that supports independent professionals, Lorraine offers a grounded perspective on what it takes to build a lasting career in hairdressing.

Key Topics Covered

• Lorraine Dublin’s career across salon, screen, session work and education
• Building a career through trusted relationships and recommendations
• The technical skill, preparation and adaptability behind high-pressure styling
• Why every client, whatever the setting, deserves the same level of service
• Making a style last when time is short
• The value of strong consultations and understanding individual hair goals
• Working across different hair needs, techniques and styling outcomes
• Co-owning a salon space and supporting independent professionals
• Why curls and coils education needs depth, time and practical experience
• The importance of qualifications, fundamentals and salon experience
• Why demonstrated skill matters more than online visibility
• Staying open to opportunities, learning from every job and letting your work speak for itself

Stay Connected

Follow the hosts:
Louis Driver: @louisdoeshair
Jacqui McIntosh: @jacqui.mcintosh

Follow Lorraine Dublin:
@lorraine_dublin

Follow Avlon:
Avlon: @avlon
Avlon UK: @avlonuk

Production Credits

Producers: Louis Driver & Jacqui McIntosh
Recorded at: Storyhouse Studios — @storyhouse_studios

The Detangled Podcast is part of Avlon Europe. Discover more at:
https://avloneurope.co.uk/

In this episode of The Detangled Podcast by Avlon, Louis Driver and Jacqui McIntosh are joined by freelance hairdresser and Avlon educator Rachel Feltham, who runs her own home-based studio.

Rachel shares the energy, curiosity and continual thinking behind building an independent career in hairdressing. From creating a professional space at home and developing her own way of working, to navigating social media, education and visibility within the industry, this is a conversation about building a career that reflects who you are.

For professionals who want to keep learning, keep questioning and keep moving forward, Rachel offers an honest perspective on independence, creativity and trusting your own direction.

Key Topics Covered

Building a freelance hairdressing career from a home-based studio

Creating a professional salon experience within a home setting

Finding independence and developing your own way of working

Creativity, curiosity and keeping ideas moving

Growing confidence in your craft and career decisions

Rachel’s journey into education and becoming an Avlon educator

The value of continued learning and professional development

Navigating social media as an independent hairdresser

Using social media to share work, build community and create visibility

Staying connected to the wider hair industry beyond the salon chair

Stay Connected

Follow the hosts:
Louis Driver: @louisdoeshair
Jacqui McIntosh: @jacqui.mcintosh

Follow Rachel Feltham:
@rachelhhairstudio

Follow Avlon:
Avlon: @avlon
Avlon UK: @avlonuk

Production Credits

Producers: Louis Driver & Jacqui McIntosh
Recorded at: Storyhouse Studios — @storyhouse_studios
Cover Artwork Illustration: @bibanabi
Cover Design: Louis Driver

The Detangled Podcast is part of Avlon Europe. Discover more at:
https://avloneurope.co.uk/